Fundamentals of sustainable development

The impact of development needs to be considered beyond the narrow focus of economic, ecological or social concerns. This reader-friendly book is the first to promote a holistic approach to sustainable development. It gives readers a multifaceted approach to the area to encompass what is referred to as 'people, planet and profit'. It looks at people, cultures, social cohesion, empowerment, education and health, nature and the environment, and prosperity and the economy, to help readers understand the fundamentals of sustainable development.

The book has been written in an accessible way, and can be read with ease by those with no previous knowledge of sustainable development. The first part presents an overview of the conceptual and practical challenges in sustainable development stemming from human-environment relations as well as ensuing issues of inequality and insecurity. The second part explores strategies and solutions for facing these challenges. It presents case studies from all over the world and draws on many disciplines to investigate topics such as climate change, energy, technology, political and economic instruments, and sustainable business practices.

An interactive and complete educational tool, the book comes with a website containing exercises, learning goals and summaries for each chapter as well as over forty video clips. It also offers a 'lecturer section' which includes a PowerPoint to accompany every chapter, and answers and explanations to the exercises. This stimulating book is an invaluable resource for students and lecturers in all disciplines who have an interest in the sustainability of our planet, and our human society and economy.

Author Notes

Niko Roorda Works as a Senior consultant on sustainable development, corporate social responsibility and change management for companies and universities in several countries. On the basis of more than twenty years' experience in these topics, he received his PhD title at Maastricht University in 2010. For his achievements, Roorda received the Dutch National Award for Innovation and Sustainable Development.

List of cases	p. ix
List of figures	p. xi
List of satirical passages	p. xvii
List of tables	p. xix
Photograph credits	p. xxi
Abbreviations	p. xxv
Acknowledgements	p. xxix
Foreword	p. xxxi
Introduction	p. 1
A grand opportunity	p. 1
Aim of the book: all disciplines	p. 1
Balanced and systemic	p. 2
Not just a book	p. 2
Validation and credits	p. 3
Part I Swot analysis	p. 5
1 Sustainable development: an introduction	p. 7
1.1 Man and nature	p. 9
1.2 Rich and poor	p. 15
1.3 Problems and success stories	p. 19
1.4 Two dimensions: here and there, now and later	p. 23
1.5 The definition of 'sustainable development'	p. 25
1.6 The Triple P	p. 29
1.7 Top-down and bottom-up	p. 31
Summary	p. 35
2 Flaws in the fabric: people and nature	p. 37
2.1 One-way traffic: no cycles	p. 39
2.2 Positive feedback: moving up or down without inhibitions	p. 45
2.3 Overexploitation: a gigantic footprint	p. 50
2.4 Clean water: all for mankind, but still not enough	p. 58
2.5 Agriculture and livestock farming: excessive efficiency, but still not enough	p. 65
2.6 Consequences for the natural environment	p. 69
Summary	p. 77
3 Flaws in the fabric: people and society	p. 79
3.1 PPP in imbalance: the economy first	p. 81
3.2 Inequality: the lack of solidarity	p. 88
3.3 Dehumanisation: alienation and exclusion	p. 101
3.4 The lack of safety: terror, war, dictatorships	p. 109
3.5 The fabric of man, nature and the economy	p. 117
Summary	p. 122
4 Sources of vigour	p. 123
4.1 International organisations	p. 125
4.2 Ideas and sources of inspiration	p. 133
4.3 People	p. 147
4.4 Nature	p. 151
4.5 Science and technology	p. 154
4.6 Business	p. 156
4.7 Students	p. 158
4.8 Cooperation	p. 161
Summary	p. 165
Part II Solution Strategies	p. 167
5 Here and there	p. 169
5.1 China: growth, but not in terms of human rights	p. 171
5.2 India: high-tech versus rural	p. 180
5.3 The EU: continent of an aging population	p. 189
5.4 ECOWAS: explosive population growth in Africa	p. 200
5.5 Shared responsibility	p. 211
Summary	p. 223
6 Now and later	p. 225
6.1 Lessons from history	p. 226
6.2 Prophets, futurologists and science fiction authors	p. 232
6.3 Models, scenarios and simulations	p. 240
6.4 Growth models	p. 244
6.5 World scenarios	p. 251
6.6 What kind of world do we actually want?	p. 258
Summary	p. 264
7 Climate and energy	p. 265
7.1 The phenomenon: rising temperatures	p. 267
7.2 The cause: the greenhouse effect	p. 269
7.3 The consequences: from rising sea levels to failed crops	p. 275
7.4 Possible solutions: technology and lifestyle	p. 288
7.5 Political and economic instruments	p. 301
Summary	p. 305
8 Sustainable business practices	p. 307
8.1 Corporate social responsibility	p. 309
8.2 Corporate governance	p. 316
8.3 Sustainable products and services	p. 319
8.4 Future-oriented entrepreneurship	p. 326
8.5 The sustainably competent professional	p. 329
Summary	p. 337
Bibliography	p. 338
Index	p. 343

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